Long-haul flying has always carried a paradox. Time stretches across oceans, and for many, those hours feel wasted: half-watched films, half-eaten meals, sleep that never really arrives. When inflight entertainment shifted from dropdown screens showing mandated films on a set schedule into a system that finally allowed passengers to choose what they wanted to watch and when, it felt like an evolutionary leap forward. But now that we have access to endless streaming platforms in our pockets, choice fatigue has dulled the thrill. With the shuttering of the last Blockbuster, have we already seen it all?
Air Canada’s inflight entertainment (IFE) reframes the long-haul hours into an opportunity its competitors have missed. They’ve made it something more intimate, something that binds passengers to a sense of place.
On the Vancouver–Sydney run, the screen was less about distraction and more about connection. The library feels almost like a curated film festival, blending French cinema and Quebecois productions with Canadian stories, international blockbusters and even live sports.
The system was awarded APEX’s 2024 Best Inflight Entertainment Award for what is North America’s most expansive library, offering over 1,000 films, 3,500 TV episodes, and 200 audio selections.
I’m watching North of North, an Inuit comedy set in the fictional and very remote Ice Cove in Nunavut, from Signature Class’ 18‑inch screen and I can practically feel the cold of an Arctic winter. Through the provided noise-cancelling headphones, I’m invited into the country’s humour, its stories and its culture. It’s a reminder that travel is shaped not only by where we land but by what carries us there.
But here’s the rub. I slept too much.
Cabin and comfort
Air Canada’s Signature Class is set up in a 1-2-1 layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access. I was in 1G, one of the middle seats, and while I could have switched to a window, I liked being right at the front. With the darkened cabin and the space between aisles, I had all the space I could want and only missed the window upon arrival. Had I arrived into Vancouver in daylight, I would have wanted a window seat to take in the view.
The pod offers storage for small items, a reading light, USB ports, and universal power outlets. Everything is within arm’s reach and can be popped safely in a closed compartment to guard against turbulence.
The lie‑flat seat was so comfortable that I pulled up my duvet and closed my eyes for what I thought would be a short nap and woke to find most of the flight gone. The films I had planned to watch were untouched, but the sleep was much needed. This, my friends, is the only real cure to jetlag: Signature class.
Inflight meals
Meal service in Signature Class features multi-course dining with Canadian and international influences. Portions are generous, with vegetarian and other dietary options available when requested. Timing is managed carefully, giving passengers the choice of dining early or prioritising sleep. Drinks are extensive, ensuring the service feels premium without slowing the pace of rest. Again, I wasn’t too hungry on the flight as I simply slept through and woke to a breakfast I mostly picked at, preferring fresh fruit to anything else.
Service and crew
Air Canada’s crew on AC33 deliver professionalism with an understated approach. They are present and friendly without intrusion, items are picked up and delivered within moments, and requests are met promptly, yet the service never feels overbearing.
On ground experience at Vancouver
At Vancouver International Airport, Air Canada benefits from a hub built for efficiency. Check-in is well signposted, and business class counters move swiftly. Security is streamlined, and the Maple Leaf Lounge provides pre-flight calm with hot meals, showers, and Wi-Fi. For connections, Vancouver’s seamless international-to-domestic transfers remain a major differentiator. Bags are checked through, and travellers avoid the re-screening common at US hubs. This efficiency means the flight is not only about the journey across the Pacific but also about faster onward travel deeper into Canada or the US.
Aeroplan loyalty
For agents selling repeat travel on Air Canada, the Aeroplan program adds strong value. Relaunched in 2020, it has grown into the world’s largest airline partner network, with over 45 airlines. Members can redeem points for upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi, and even small everyday purchases. Group pooling of points appeals to families, while micro redemptions keep loyalty active even on shorter trips.
In May 2025, Aeroplan won three Freddie Awards, including Best Program of the Year. These recognitions strengthen the loyalty pitch for travellers who want tangible rewards beyond flights. For the trade, it’s a tool that helps secure repeat bookings and long-term value.
Sustainability commitment
Air Canada has also made sustainability a core part of its brand story, under the banner “Leave Less and Do More”. The airline has pledged net-zero emissions by 2050 and is investing CA$50 million into sustainable aviation fuels and carbon reduction technology. Electric-hybrid regional aircraft are on order, and a long-standing onboard recycling program has already cut millions of single-use plastic items.
Air Canada’s actions provide trade partners with verifiable talking points for eco-conscious travellers seeking lower-impact choices without compromising service.
Top tips for travel agents
- Highlight the IFE: Present it as cultural immersion, not just entertainment.
- Upgrade conversations: Emphasise Signature Class as a practical cure for jet lag.
- Loyalty matters: Position Aeroplan as a flexible and rewarding program for repeat customers.
- Sustainability: Use the airline’s net-zero commitment and SAF investment as selling points for eco-aware travellers.
- Transfers at YVR: Stress Vancouver’s streamlined processes for faster onward connections in North America.
Wheels up or down?
Air Canada’s Vancouver–Sydney service demonstrates that long-haul can be both restful and enriching. In Signature Class, comfort and rest are delivered seamlessly. Yet the true differentiator is the inflight entertainment. For agents, this is a product that can be confidently recommended to clients seeking a journey with cultural depth, loyalty benefits, and a commitment to sustainability.
Karryon’s new Into the Hearts of Canada podcast series, presented in partnership with Destination Canada, explores the people and places shaping one of the world’s most awe‑inspiring destinations. Subscribe now and take your clients deeper into Canada’s stories.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Air Canada’s inflight entertainment turns long-haul into a taste of culture, giving agents a product where customers arrive not only rested but carrying part of the destination with them.
